• Slinging Ink, a new DiverseWorks ArtSpace series in which four writers will read their own short works on a single theme, launches with John Wayne Comunale, Wanda Harding, Dean Liscum, and John Pleuker, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday (Dec. 6), Big Star Bar, 1005 West 19th; 713-223-8346 or diverseworks.org. Free; must be 21 to attend.

• Mimi Vance will sign her Words by the Handful stories for young children, at a signing hosted by her siser, Phoebe Tudor, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Friday (Dec. 9) at Tootsie’s, 2601 Westheimer; 713-629-9990.